“A competitor through and through, Mazda6 offers everything expected of a typical mid-sized family sedan but in an atypical way,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). “With safety, fuel economy, design, packaging and value among the best in the segment, and coupled with the only-Mazda touch of dynamic performance, the 2014 Mazda6 becomes a standout among its one-size-fits-all competition.”

In its third year, the Autobytel Car and Truck of the Year awards feature two overall category winners as well as individual segment leaders. This is the second time Mazda has been recognized with an annual award. The 2013 CX-5 was named the Crossover of the Year during the awards inaugural year.

“The 2014 Mazda6 is a family sedan that boasts modern styling with broad appeal,” said Michelle Naranjo, editor-in-chief, Autobytel, Inc. “With its global platform and highly fuel efficient low-liter, naturally-aspirated gas- and diesel-powered engines, there’s a Mazda6 for every driver who loves to drive.”

The 2 014 Mazda6 is available in three trim levels – Sport, Touring and Grand Touring – and is currently equipped with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine, which produces a playful 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm. Both the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual and SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission are available for pairing.

Fuel economy is EPA estimated at 25 city/37 highway/29 combined mpg when equipped with a manual transmission (Sport, Touring). All trim levels can be optioned with an automatic transmission and receive an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 26 city/38 highway/30 combined mpg. When paired with i-ELOOP, these vehicles receive an EPA estimated rating of 28 city/40 highway/32 combined mpg, which is the best highway mpg[2] in the segment for gasoline-powers vehicles.

Recently earning a “Top Safety Pick+” distinction from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Mazda6 offers a suite of active-safety pre-crash detection systems known as i-ACTIVSENSE. These technologies use sensing devices such as milliwave radars and cameras to help the driver recognize hazards, avoid collisions and minimize damage should accidents occur. While these systems will not eliminate accidents, their intent is to minimize them and reduce the severity of a crash.

Standard features beginning with the Touring trim include Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), a pre-crash safety feature that helps to avoid certain collisions and minimize damage in the event of a collision, is available as a package option. Grand Touring models receive SCBS and an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) as standard equipment with Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and High Beam Control (HBC) available as package options.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and